OpenAI has filed confidentially for an initial public offering but will not be going public this year, according to CEO Sam Altman. In a recent interview, Altman emphasized that the company is not rushing into an IPO, especially given current concerns around AI safety. He described the present moment as "ill-advised" for a public offering. Altman stated that OpenAI will consider going public when the business is ready and when the broader societal context is appropriate for the technology. When asked if this means the IPO will not happen in 2026, Altman confirmed that 2026 is unlikely, noting that there is still significant work to be done. Earlier reports indicated that OpenAI had engaged bankers and lawyers with plans to go public in late 2026, but the company is now leaning toward a 2027 timeline due to market volatility and financial challenges. This cautious approach reflects OpenAI's focus on balancing growth with responsible deployment of AI technologies.